‘Open tabs’ sums up my mental state right now. It’s a blur of summer logistics, keeping things running at work, and finding myself falling down mental and Reddit rabbit holes for the most random things.
Why do we love watching rich people on TV?
Is it because we want to see them humbled? Do we want a peek at how they live? Is it just to dissociate from *gesticulates wildly* all of this? Whatever your personal reason, watching rich people and their problems (fictional and unscripted) is equally fascinating and profitable for the networks and streamers that air them.
I’m starting to lose interest in contemporary rich people (reality TV and fictional), but my love for historical rich people problems remains strong. I’m making my way through The Gilded Age and The Buccaneers, and both are hitting the spot (I haven’t started season two of the latter, so no spoilers please!).
What does summer taste like?
My answers are very simple. Water ice, first and foremost (specifically Rita’s lemon flavor). A tomato sandwich—I prepare mine open-faced on lightly toasted sourdough (just on one side), a generous spread of whipped cream cheese, thick slices of an heirloom tomato I picked up at a farm stand, and sprinkled with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chaat masala. I love a plate of cold veggies and a whipped cottage cheese dip (right now, it’s just cottage cheese and ranch dressing mix). I love jalapeños in my rosé, and now in my sauvignon blanc, for my evening happy hour with my dad.
Are we too online?
Yes. And I feel like it’s making us dumber, more stressed, unable to focus, and even radicalizing us. I’m saying this out loud to myself, as a reminder to stop clicking over to Threads and engaging in Nicolandria content (yes, still). See? I’m proving my own point. I’ll stop here, share some smart reads that have me drawing stronger boundaries around my online time. Don’t forget to put your phone down and do something for yourself today.
I’m making my way through These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean and Love Is A War Song by Danica Nava. I love messy protagonists, and both of these books deliver them in their chaotic glory.
In an effort to shake myself out of my Innkeeper Chronicles re-reading crutch, I’m finally making my way through Ilona Andrews’ backlist and starting their Kate Daniels series with the dramatized audiobook of Magic Bites. I’m really enjoying it so far.
This Odesza playlist helps me lock into focus mode, and stay there.
I’ve been studying other podcasts as I prep for the second season of That Desi Spark, and Aspire with Emma Grede is one I will always watch. Her episode with Mark Cuban is one of the best, in my opinion (who else could get him to honestly admit what he first does in the morning?)
Autocracy in America is not a fun listen, but it’s a necessary one. The new season is hosted by Garry Kasparov, whose own experience (a global chess champion and democracy activist in Russia) brings a necessary perspective to this topic.
These sunglasses look and feel so luxurious (only $20 for two pairs)
I finally swapped out my spring Armoire case for some breathable summer pieces. To shake things up a bit, I rented this mint skirt, these eyelet patterned shorts, and flowy, fun pants. My link gets you 50% off your first month and 2 bonus items.
All of the bottoms I rented pair beautifully with my favorite blouse (100% cotton, hits the sweet spot of not-cropped-but-not-too-long, and under $30)
Random things I can’t live without: my pocket notebook (for daily planning) and journals for morning pages, these perfect earbud headphones, and sunscreen that won’t break me out (they just launched a US version).
I sip two of these a day. They’re hydrating, delicious, and help me hit my protein goals (code hitha15 gets you 15% off).
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Cheers to all our open tabs.
xo,
HPN
